Weary of onion dip? Turn to hummus

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By Jim Hillibish, GHNS

Wayne Independent - Honesdale, PA

By Jim Hillibish, GHNS

Posted Dec. 6, 2012 at 12:13 PM

By Jim Hillibish, GHNS

Posted Dec. 6, 2012 at 12:13 PM

GHNS

Those of you collecting appetizer suggestions for a holiday party should not pass on this one. Hummus is the classic celebratory appetizer spread of the Middle East. It’s very healthy and unlike anything else on an appetizer table, a welcome switch from ubiquitous dairy-based dips.

Serve it with chips or spread on fresh or toasted pita wedges. Its nutty flavor and smooth texture are habit forming. Note that canned garbanzos instead of dried are preferred as they are easily mashed.

Hummus or Chick Pea Spread

1 1⁄2 cups chick peas (garbanzo beans), canned

4 T lemon juice, fresh

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 T olive oil

1⁄2 cup plus 1 T beef stock, canned

2 T parsley, fresh, chopped

1⁄2 t coriander spice

1⁄2 t sea salt

1⁄4 t black pepper

4 t sesame paste (tahini)

1⁄2 t paprika

Parsley sprigs to garnish

Load blender with chick peas and 1⁄2 cup of stock. Blend with other ingredients except sesame oil or paste, paprika and parsley sprigs. In a small bowl, mix the sesame oil or paste with a little more of the stock. Add to blender and mix briefly. Serve sprinkled with paprika and parsley sprigs.

Note: Hummus is best chilled overnight, covered, to allow flavors to meld.